by H. D. March
Jess shook her head and covered her eyes, breathe in, breathe out, calm down, pretend brown paper bag. She recited the words, attempting to still her erratic gasps and to claw in oxygen.
“So, why wait till now to bomb me with this tiny snippet of news?” Her sarcasm swept over her mother, who busily inspected her nails.
Doreen hissed at a tiny flake that edged off the one. “When we discovered I was pregnant, it was a shock.”
“Yep, bet it frigging was,” agreed Jess. She still couldn’t believe the conversation, what was it about the last few days? Had she landed on planet fantasy land? Vamps decimating a burger place, her best friend a wolf-come-shifting-Lycan and now her father wasn’t really hers?
What the hell more could happen?
“Anyway, Frazer made me promise that I would tell you, reveal the truth on your thirtieth birthday.”
“Yea, and? Why didn’t you mention this fact when you called over on said birthday?”
“I forgot.” Doreen returned to the compact she held, critically studying herself.
Jess raised her eyes to the ceiling. Her mother frigging forgot that George wasn’t her father?
“Well, that’s about it, except Frazer wants to meet you, and soon. I just needed to warn you, let you know what to expect.”
“Which is?” Jess had to ask, dreading the reply, but needing to know. Jesus Christ, what else could go wrong?
“I can’t say, but all will be explained. He’s, er, different, you may have a bit of a shock.” She gave a final flick of her hair. “And in the meantime, I’ve still got the problem with that bitch at the tennis club.” Doreen smirked. “Obviously, it’s a waste of time asking you for advice.”
Jess bypassed the tennis club. A bit of a shock? Frigging hell, what more could happen? Where had her orderly, boring life gone?
A band of tension gripped her head, Jess couldn’t believe it. Yet the way Doreen had made the explanation, cold and heartless, she knew her mother wasn’t lying. And now, all that remained was an introduction to father dearest.
The door opened, and Rune stood at the entrance. “Have you finished?”
Jess knew he was already aware the conversation had come to a close, but how?
Doreen rose. “Well, it’s time I left. I’ve told you what you need to know. At least a small part.” She paused. “When you meet your father, you’ll know why I couldn’t resist him, why no woman can.”
With that cryptic note, she left in a flying swirl of heavy perfume.
Jess choked on the fumes and flopped back into her chair. Tears shivered across her lashes, a tremble ran through her because she was a mess, an emotional wreck.
“Hey, are you okay?” Rune stood behind her; his fingers kneaded her bunched muscles.
She didn’t speak, couldn’t; instead, the tears fell in silence.
“Come here, little one.” Rune pulled her into his arms and held her tight. The shock of sobs racked her body and she cried. Jess gripped her rock, her anchor on life, he and he alone held her sanity.
Because she was losing it.
All this time, and yet never a clue. She wondered if that was the reason they argued. Did George know he wasn’t her biological father? Too many thoughts smashed against each other; it was akin to a major road crash and she was the victim.
“Come on, take it easy.” Rune’s comforting words soothed her as did his hand that stroked up and down her spine; she was surprised at his empathy. Somehow, she couldn’t explain why, but that was so not the way she saw him.
Finally, her sniffs eased; maybe, she reasoned, if the news hadn’t come behind other mind-blowing events, she could have adjusted better.
Swiping at her teardrops, she peered up at him; his golden eyes resembled dark treacle filled with worry. He stroked a palm over her hair. “You sure you’re okay now?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry you had to witness it.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s embarrassing; did you heard what my mother said?”
“Yes and you’re the innocent in all this; you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, Jess.”
His words made sense, and they comforted her. “Do you think my father, George, knows?”
“Most likely, but why don’t you ask him?”
“Yeah, and what if he hasn’t a clue, it would destroy him.”
“Then keep your own counsel, Jess.” He tilted her chin up, licking the tear-stained path, “I need to go now, but I’ll be back; you okay with that?”
She nodded, trusting him. For however long, he was returning to her life. Their time together wasn’t going anywhere, she knew that. But Jess would enjoy the moments at hand.
He pulled her into a bone-crushing embrace; his lips seeking hers, they sizzled across them. His breath hot, it coasted out. “I’ll see you tonight.”
A swarm of cute pimples rose across her skin, they shivered into her pores. “Later.”
The Lamborghini took off in a swirl of screaming tyres, not for Rune slow and steady. The sleek blackness shot off down the road; it resembled an arrow released from its bow, and she prayed he wouldn’t kill himself.
Then, closed the door and tried to deal with the latest revelation. Shit, for twenty-nine years, she’d led a boring life, one of batteries, vibrators, and a mundane waitress job. Yet now, since hitting the big thirty, everything appeared to be going tits up.
Her world was spinning in freefall and Jess wasn’t sure she could cope.
§§§
From behind the barn, a cloaked figure emerged, dark eyes narrowed. Storm had followed Rune wondering if he were going to the woman. And he had; in fact, he’d led her straight to her.
Her lips quivered into a smug grin.
What a shame.
§§§
The door slammed and Kitty bounced into the lounge. Her face held a vibrant shine to it.
“You’ve been with LeBron,” said Jess; she knew because that would be her reaction with Rune.
“How can you tell?”
“Er, let’s see, your smile, the twinkle in your eyes, and maybe, just maybe, you reek of sex?” laughed Jess, throwing a cushion at her.
Kitty kicked her shoes off and massaged her feet. “Yep, and he was awesome.”
“Please, spare me the intricate details.”
“You seem in a better mood, anything to do with a certain person?” Kitty flounced back onto the battered settee.
“Could be,” she said with a wickedly smug grin. “Rune came over, and we fucked over the kitchen table.”
Kitty gave a whoop of delight. “Wicked, I thought he was taken with you, think you‘ve got yourself one hell of a man there.”
“Hmmmm, for the time being.” Jess smiled, thinking back to her mother’s untimely intervention. “And then Doreen arrived, saw me bare assed.”
“Oh shit!”
“Yep and it just gets better; her problem this time is daddy dearest. Apparently, he’s a sex-starved deviant who can’t get enough women.”
Kitty dissolved into a coughing fit. “George?”
“Exactly, like not; apparently, my mother had an affair and I’m the result.”
Immediately, Kitty rose and went to her; dropping to the floor, she crouched at the base. “She wasn’t joking?”
“Nope, and my real father wants to meet me, his instructions I wasn’t to know until I turned thirty.”
“Shit!”
“Yep, some people get a car for the big ‘o’ birthday, others a holiday, what do I get? A frigging father I’ve never met and told I’m basically a bastard.”
Kitty took hold of her hand, rubbing at it. “You’ve had a stressful few days, what with me and now this.”
“Don’t forget the drive through and the killer…” Jess slammed a hand over her mouth, why oh why couldn’t she learn to zip it. She didn’t want Kitty worried.
“Run that by me again?”
“Er, nothing.”
“Jess, tell me; remember, no secre
ts?”
And Jess did, bit by gruesome bit. “Shit, I only wanted a burger. Betsy finished up in the great garage in the sky and I end up with Rune.”
Kitty frowned. “What does Rune say about this?”
“Same as me basically, most likely a film crew that I spooked.”
She patted her hand. “Perhaps, but perhaps not.”
“Gee, thanks for that vote of confidence; here’s me trying to convince myself it never happened, to put it behind me, and you throw back my doubts.”
“Yep, what are best friends for?”
§§§
The sky darkened at an alarming rate, grey streaks sped across the sky, mixed with the red rays of a sinking sun.
Jess tossed the salad and threw it on the plate. “I hope that mash has lots of salt and butter in it.”
Kitty whipped the creamy pile up. “Of course, a healthy dollop of cholesterol and heart-breaking sodium.” She continued to pound the potatoes. “So, what time is Rune coming over?”
Jess shrugged. “Don’t know; he just said he’d see me tonight.” Then glanced to Kitty. “And LeBron?”
“He’ll be here.” A squiggle of a smile creased her lips.
“Sounds like he’s already arrived,” said Jess at the drone of a motor.
“Nah, it’s too early. I bet it’s Rune, that guy can’t stay away from you.” Kitty’s giggle rippled around the room.
Jess peered out of the window, but the falling dusk obliterated her vision. Wiping her hands, she strode to the front door.
And stopped in her tracks.
Storm, the woman she’d fought with, stood before her. What the frigging hell did the bitch want? And how did she know where she lived?
“What are you doing here?” Jess went in on the attack.
“Rune sent me, to take you to him.”
“You expect me to believe that?” She shoved her hair back with a quivering hand. The urge to slap her again bounced over her.
“I’ve apologized for my behaviour. I realize which woman he wants. And it’s not me.” She bowed her head slightly. “I’d be a liar to say I’m happy with it, but I can’t change his opinion. This is my way of proving I’m sorry.”
“What, acting as taxi driver?”
“No! Rune ordered me to fetch you to him, it’s my punishment.”
Jess hesitated, that would be about right. She could imagine Rune taking delight in that directive. “How do I know you’re telling me the truth?”
“Ring him.”
Jess didn’t have his number, but she wasn’t revealing that snippet of information. The fact she’d said that meant she had to be telling the truth.
Jess wondered should she believe her. “Give me five minutes.”
§§§
Kitty dropped the salad servers with a clatter. “Thought that would have been lover boy.”
Jess homed in on the mound of potatoes glazed with calorie-killing, golden butter, the lean pink of sliced ham, and a scrunch of crisp salad.
Her stomach grumbled. “It is, kind of; he’s sent a car for me.”
“What, he couldn’t bother to come himself?” Kitty didn’t keep the distain from her voice.
“Apparently not; anyway, got to go. Catch you later or tomorrow.”
Kitty followed her to the door; she peered at the dark-haired woman seated in the car. “Who’s that?”
“Storm, his ex, and making a grovelling apology by all accounts; she’s taking me to him.”
Kitty studied her features; the light from the luminous full moon cast the car in a pale glow. Storm’s angular profile clear. “Yeah, whatever, I don’t like her.”
“Neither do I, so I’m going to take great delight in this.”
Kitty gave her a hug and a kiss. “Enjoy, hun.”
“Oh, trust me, I intend to.” Jess flashed her a wink before settling into the passenger seat. She flicked the window down. “Catch you later. I don’t need to tell you to enjoy LeBron.” Jess blew her a kiss.
§§§
The untouched food lay on the plate, and Kitty decided Jess had it bad. She placed it in the fridge; if she returned home later, she had something to nibble on, and she sat at the table playing with hers. Then cricked her head at another motor pulling in. A squiggle of excitement filled her, the sound of a door slamming echoed in the night. She waited, and LeBron filled the entrance to the kitchen. He pinned her with an intense gaze.
“Come here, honey. I’ve missed you.”
She laughed. “LeBron, it was a few hours ago.” Yet rose and went to him.
He nipped her neck. “And far too long; now, come on, woman, show me what you think of your mate.”
She fell into his arms; dragging him to the floor, their clothes flew through the air until each were naked. Kitty gave a wicked shake of her ass. “Catch this.” And bounded through the open back door, LeBron’s growl soared over her as he followed.
§§§
The night black, a myriad of twinkling stars laced the sky by the time they made their way back to the farm. Clouds buffeted across the expanse revealing a large cheesy moon; it cast an eerie glow across the landscape. LeBron linked his arm around Kitty’s waist; they’d played and made love over and over, at every field, forest, stream and gulley. No place was out of bounds. The house silent, they padded inside.
“I love you, baby.” LeBron nuzzled her throat.
Kitty flushed with pleasure. “And, LeBron, know I adore you.”
His arms wrapped around her, his lips snuck over hers. His senses went on full alert at the absolute silence. “Where is Jess?”
“Oh, she left hours ago; Rune sent a car to pick her up.”
LeBron’s chocolate gaze hardened to dark chips. “Rune wouldn’t do that; who collected her?”
“A woman, think her name was Storm?”
At his look of horror, she gripped his arm. “What is it?”
“Fuck, stay here, I need to get hold of Rune.”
“Why, LeBron, tell me!”
“Because Storm will want to kill her, I’ve no doubt about that. Jess has taken her man and Storm will want revenge.”
He fished for his mobile in his jeans that lay pooled on the floor, and pulled it out, then dialled. The ringing tone continued, unrelenting. “Shit, come on.” He tried again, and again, yet still it persisted in switching to voice mail.
Kitty slapped a hand over her mouth, pushing down the nausea. “Please, LeBron, please do something?”
He gave her a brief snap of a kiss. “I will, baby, I need to go to Rune. I’ll be back, stay safe.” LeBron didn’t bother with his car and leapt into the darkness.
Chapter Seventeen
Rune lazed in his rock pool, content with life, confused yet content. Jess was his until he decided different. His thoughts drifted back to the afternoon, how he’d fucked her over the table. Instantly, he hardened recalling her delicious body. There followed a quiver of apprehension; would he ever be tired of her? Floating across the water, Rune debated what he’d do to her when he met with her later that night.
At the sudden sound of footsteps slapping across the stones, he rocked up from his relaxed position. No one ever interrupted him here. Concern crossed his face at LeBron emerging through shadows.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“Have you seen Jess?”
At once, Rune’s heart slammed into his chest; a bad feeling grew and festered. “Why?”
“Because she was collected by a car a few hours ago.”
Rune launched to his feet, resembling a vengeful Neptune, the water trailed and trickled over his body. “By who?”
“Storm.”
“Fuck!” He leapt out of the water, ignoring LeBron, and shouldered past him in silence. A deep dread filled him, an absolute terror tore into his gut. Tugging his jeans on, his actions stiff, his thoughts filled with Jess.
Rune left the cave at a trot, calling over his shoulder to LeBron, “I’ll ring you when I find her.” He hurled
his body through the open window in the bedroom, bounding across the roof before he landed with a thud on the earth. His destination Storm, and his purpose to rip her throat out if she’d dare to hurt Jess.
§§§
Jess sat alongside Storm, a scurry of nerves rippled across her skin. At least her driving was better than Doreen’s, so there was no immediate sense of panic. “How long have you known Rune?”
“Ages.”
“Hmm, like how long?”
“Too long.”
Hell, but this was turning into hard work. Give us a date? “Not a month springs to mind?”
“No.”
Shit, next question.
“He’s mine,” she said quietly.
Jess sighed. “Okay.” Christ, this woman was a stalker. Then happened to glance up at where they were, and it wasn’t Caprice. Throughout the journey, she hadn’t paid any attention to their destination. The twisting road hadn’t made any impact on her, it could be anywhere. “I thought you were taking me to Rune?” She tried to tamp down the sudden squall of worry.
“No, I lied.” A wicked rumble purred over her. “I’m fetching you to your destiny, to what I intend to give you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Her words died as she stared out at the entrance to the building. The shadowed walls scaled over her.
“Wait and watch, bitch.” Storm’s hand swiped over the nape of her neck, the merest twinge tingled, and she passed out.
§§§
Jess’s eyes flicked open; her gaze swept and shuddered over the wooden floor. She was totally disorientated and didn’t know where she was. Her breath ripped out in short snaps, and she frowned, staring up at her anchored hands; they were chained, along with her ankles.
Raising her head, she faced a roomful of interested male lust. Her body naked, her breasts swung free. A sharp slice of fear cut into her body, and an icy terror chilled her skin.
Storm appeared, wearing a satisfied smirk, her body half naked, covered only in a piece of leather which exposed her skin. A lot of skin noticed Jess, frigging tart, very little remained covered. Jess checked out her bindings and tugged; she was shackled to large wooden pillars central in the room, spread-eagled each arm and leg hauled apart.
